Initiative Aims to Increase Seat Belt Usage

The SAFE Campaign (Seat Belts Are for Everyone) is designed to increase seat belt and child passenger safety restraint usage in Tennessee.

Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to participate in the campaign by planning and implementing occupant protection initiatives in their communities.

“Nationally, seat belt usage rates have increased steadily over time,” said Kendell Poole, Director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Office. “However, that’s not the case in Tennessee. In 2013, more than half of Tennessee’s traffic fatalities involved unrestrained drivers or passengers. The SAFE Campaign is designed to educate all drivers across the state about the importance of wearing seat belts.”

To date, 169 law enforcement agencies have agreed to participate in the SAFE campaign. Each agency is required to plan and execute activities in their community that raise awareness about seat belt usage, along with seat belt enforcement efforts. Agencies that participate in the SAFE Campaign will be eligible to win a fully equipped police vehicle and other highway traffic safety equipment.

“Our partnerships with law enforcement across the state help to increase the message of seat belt safety,” said Director Poole. “We are committed to saving lives on Tennessee roadways. It is up to drivers to make safe choices, one of those choices is to wear your seat belt.”

If you would like more information on the SAFE Campaign, please contact Megan Buell, 615.337.7685 or visit our website at www.tntrafficsafety.org.